SDSU, AIR FORCE STILL IN HOLDING PATTERN

Final decision on Thursday’s Mountain West football game expected by this afternoon

Officially, all intercollegiate athletic events have been postponed indefinitely because of the partial federal government shutdown, according to the Air Force Academy.

Unofficially, San Diego State and Mountain West officials remain optimistic that Thursday night’s football game could go as planned.

According to SDSU Athletic Director Jim Sterk, who was on a conference call Monday with conference officials and representatives from all Mountain West schools, the three service academies submitted a joint proposal to the Department of Defense for approval to continue intercollegiate sports during the shutdown.

The plan was presented Monday morning, and Air Force needs an answer from the Department of Defense by this afternoon.

“Last week wasn’t trending very optimistic, but later in the week Commissioner (Craig) Thompson said, ‘I think it’s flipped,’ ” Sterk said. “I think (the Air Force Academy representatives) feel like they have a good plan they’ve put forward, and in the past, they’ve been able to play (during shutdowns).”

If the game is postponed, SDSU might be on the hook for about $125,000 worth of associated travel costs that include the price of their hotel room block and the team charter.

However, it helps that the Academy recalled 950 civilian employees Monday morning. Sterk also said the Mountain West, which is based in Colorado Springs, is open to helping the Falcons with game day operations.

If Thursday’s game is postponed, Air Force and SDSU would try to reschedule for Oct. 19, their mutual bye week.

Football isn’t the only sport that will be affected if the suspension of athletic activities is not lifted. The Falcons sponsor 27 sports at the Division I level and had to postpone all sporting events scheduled for this week.

That means loss of funds in plane tickets and accommodations for every sports team that had Air Force on its schedule.

The Mountain West did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the situation.